No one likes having raccoon eyes or feeling irritable all day after a sleepless night. Unfortunately, falling and staying asleep can be hard, especially as we get older. This begs the question, is cannabis the answer to sleep-related issues like insomnia? Some of our own consumers say absolutely!
“I LOVE the [incredibles Sour] Gummies. I have 6 titanium rods in my back & my spine is fused so it’s very difficult to sleep, but these gummies help me fall asleep & stay asleep. They are the best thing ever made!”
“I have MS, arthritis, and chronic inflammation. I take one of these [incredibles Red Licorice Gummies] every night before bed. I have been completely pain-free for months.”
Scientific studies are providing more and more proof that the human body was built for cannabis. So where does the research stand on getting better sleep?
Sleep Survey Says Yes, No, and Maybe
Scientists aren’t wasting time uncovering all of the relaxing and sedative effects cannabis provides, but when it comes to sleep, some research shows mixed results.
One study observing patients both with and without sleeping problems found that cannabis shortened the time it took for them to fall asleep. Another in 2019 found that almost 67% of the participants experienced better sleep by using CBD.
However, other studies have found some people experience higher rates of insomnia after trying to limit night time usage. There’s also evidence that heavy marijuana use in younger adults could cause them to develop sleeping problems later on in life. That’s why researchers like Kimberly Hutchison, an associate professor in the Sleep Medicine Program in the Department of Neurology at OHSU, are pushing for more long-term research and limiting the barriers placed on cannabis research.
“Research on cannabis and sleep is in its infancy and has yielded mixed results with significant biases. So, additional control and longitudinal research is critical to advance our understanding of research and clinical implications along with short and long term risks.”
How Does the Endocannabinoid System Affect How We Sleep?
Up until about thirty years ago, researchers didn’t even know the endocannabinoid system existed. Now studies are showing how much of an impact this biological system has on our overall health!
Scientists believe the endocannabinoid system is perhaps the most important factor in how we maintain balance in our physiological functions. This includes everything from our appetite, cognitive processes, and yes, even sleep. It can even affect how we dream!
Terpenes and Cannabinoids and REM Sleep, Oh My!
So what’s its connection to cannabis, you might ask? Well, as it turns out, researchers have discovered that this system is partly made up of compounds similar to the ones found in the cannabis plant! These are called endogenous cannabinoids and studies show our body produces at least six different types.
Meanwhile, the cannabis plant has over 100 known cannabinoids! Many scientists are studying which ones are beneficial for sleeping problems and other health conditions. The three we hear about most often are CBD, CBN, and THC.
THC is associated with the “high” many people feel when consuming cannabis. Its sedative effects can make it easier to fall asleep. THC can also reduce the time a person spends in REM sleep and increase slow-wave sleep, thereby reducing how much we dream. This has shown to be a positive side effect in patients with PTSD who frequently have nightmares.
CBN is not as well-known, but some studies find it could be a powerful sedative. These effects are amplified when combined with THC. CBD has gotten extremely popular in the last few years, especially for its therapeutic benefits with little to no psychoactive symptoms. Some doses of CBD can increase alertness during the day and reduce daytime sleepiness. It’s also been shown to be helpful with insomnia and dramatically improve the quality of one’s sleep.
Another part of the plant that impacts the effects of cannabis is terpenes. Terpenes are small, aromatic molecules that give cannabis its taste and smell. About 150 different terpenes have been identified and different strains can have multiple combinations of terpenes. Some of the ones associated with improving sleep include:
- Myrcene
- Caryophyllene
- Terpineol
Cannabis Products to Try for a Good Night’s Sleep
All of these cannabis compounds will produce different effects at varying degrees based on the plant’s terpene profile, THC:CBD ratios, and method of consumption. Trying out different cannabis products is the best way to see which one does the most for your mind and body.
Here are a couple of cannabis strains and edible options that you can try to help get you to sleep as soon as your head finds your pillow!
- Granddaddy Purple – An OG indica strain you can’t miss out on trying. A true classic with a sweet taste and plenty of myrcene to help lull your mind to sleep.
- 9lb Hammer – This strain will crush your insomnia like…well, a hammer! Thanks to its heavy myrcene and caryophyllene terpene profile, you’ll be melting into your sheets.
- Trupura CBD Relax Softgels – These 600mg CBD softgels are a triple whammy against restless nights. Add a little beta-caryophyllene and melatonin, and you have the perfect mixture for a night of rest and relaxation.
- Quiq Indica Dark Chocolates – It’ll only take about 5-15 minutes before your eyes will be begging to close. Plus, with this edible’s rapid absorption technology, you’ll feel quicker, stronger effects at just half the dosage.
- incredibles Snoozzzeberry Gummy – Say goodnight and don’t expect to wake up ‘til morning! These amazing gummies infused with CBN will be insomnia’s worst nightmare.
Don’t Forget to Speak to a Professional Before You Start Counting Sheep
Before trying any of the products suggested above, always remember to speak with a licensed medical professional first. We also advise talking with a cannabis-trained, registered nurse from Leaf 411. There’s no limit to their wealth of information when it comes to managing your health with cannabis.
Medically Correct is chock-full of award-winning products and informational blogs to help guide you along your cannabis journey. We don’t like losing out on sleep, so why should you? Shop online and pick-up from your local Colorado dispensary today!